Previously grown as Cnicus benedictus

Plants of the World online, Kew Science http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:190024-1 Link

Culpeper writes of it: ‘Carduus Benedictus. In plain English Blessed Thistle, though I confess it be better known by the Latin name. It ... helps swimming and giddiness in the head, deafness, strengthens the memory, helps griping pains in the belly, kills worms, provokes sweats, expels poison, helps inflammation of the liver, is very good in pestilences and the French Pox. Outwardly applied, it ripens plague sores, and helps hot swellings, the bitings of mad dogs, and venomous beasts and foul filthy ulcers. Everyone that can but make a Carduus posset [= a hot milk drink with added alcohol] knows how to use it.’

Culpeper, N. (1649). A Physicall Directory, or, a translation of the London Dispensatory made by the Colledge of Physicians.... London, Peter Cole/EEBO Proquest facsimile.

It is not an English plant, so it is surprising that it was apparently so well known. It has been investigated for anti-cancer activity. It was introduced to South Africa 150 years ago where it is used in ‘muthi’ medicine for diabetes and arthritis, loss of appetite and indigestion. It contains a bitter lactone, cnicin, which stimulates gastric acid production (van Wyk, 2000).

Van Wyk, B.E., Van Oudtshoorn, B Gericke, N. (2000). Medicinal Plants of South Africa, Briza Publications. 2nd ed

Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR).

The blessed thistle was widely cultivated in the middle ages, when it was seen as a cure-all for all manner of diseases including the plague. Although less widely used nowadays, it is still seen to have a wide range of applications though it is mainly employed as an ingredient in herbal tonics.

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